Abuse study revealed

THE first study in Hampshire to explore African women’s attitudes to female genital mutilation revealed more than half the women interviewed view FGM as abuse.

The study was led by the University of Portsmouth, Havant-based Southern Domestic Abuse Service and the African Women’s Forum.

Out of 55 women interviewed from African diaspora communities in Portsmouth and Southampton, 60 per cent opposed the practice. Research consultant Dr Tamsin Bradley said it was an ‘important step forward’ towards eradicating the practice.